More District Residents Pocket Property Tax Savings

SANATOGA PA – The number of home owners in the Pottsgrove, Pottstown, Spring-Ford Area and Perkiomen Valley school districts participating in this year’s tax-reducing state homestead exemption program increased over 2013, local Rep. Mark Painter announced Monday (June 10, 2014).

The program this year provided roughly $150,000 in property tax relief to about 600 home owners in the four districts, Painter reported. A total of more than $9 million was distributed statewide. Gambling tax revenues collected from Pennsylvania casinos and elsewhere cover the cost.

It’s possible far more could have benefited, he added. “Every homeowner who is eligible should submit the free application so they receive their share of state gaming proceeds,” said Painter, whose office helped promote the program.

All owner-occupied homes are eligible for the rebate. A homeowner must apply only once, and the savings is permanent until they sell their home or use their home for business or rental purposes. Those who are unsure if they qualify for the program should call Painter’s office on Heritage Drive and his staff “will be happy to walk you through the simple application process,” Painter said.

In Pottstown, participation in the homestead exemption program – which is only available to owner-occupied homes and not rental units – is now above 2009-10 levels. “This is the key to helping protect the tax base in Pottstown and preventing the need for higher property tax increases,” Painter claimed, because he said owner-occupied homes tend to bring in additional non-property tax revenue.

Like what you read? Get even more of it, free. Subscribe to The Post.

Email Address

Services At The Post

During their mock election last week, Pottsgrove High School stduents participated in a mannequin challenge at the school library.